Total Dermatology Team Members;

Laura Reynolds Registered Nurse - Laser and Thermage Technician

Laura Reynolds is our Registered Nurse with over 10 years of Cosmetic Dermatology experience. She has specific specialized training and skills in laser treatments and Thermage skin tightening with many advanced certifications in all the laser applications, including difficult to resolve cases of acne scarring.

Laura’s long term and continuing professional Dermatology experience adds to her well-appreciated communication skills and expertise in patient education. She is known for her comprehensive educational conversations with patients which help them attain the best response from treatments.

“I firmly believe that my patients deserve to fully understand what their procedures will accomplish…and why…and what they need to do to prolong the improvements. Education is extremely important in the process and I’m happy to claim that my patients and I will almost always form a very unique bond when we’re working together toward a common goal of great looking, healthy skin.”

Prior to joining Total Dermatology, Laura was a professional Western regional trainer for the makers of the Fraxel laser systems. She is currently a corporate field trainer for Candela Lasers in addition to her position with the practice. The move to Total Dermatology was beneficial to both as she brought unparalleled skills to a dynamic and growth-oriented practice.

As the practice RN, Laura manages much of the laser technologies, including Thermage, vascular lasers for vein treatments, hair reduction laser, and of course, Fraxel. She is also a “go to” source for professional level chemical peels.

Laura received her nursing degree from Golden West College after attending Cal State University of Long Beach.   In addition, Laura received her BSHS from Touro University International in Cerritos, California. 

Questions about Laser Treatments? Our reception staff can provide basic information only. If you prefer to speak with Laura, please complete this short form and you'll receive a personal call back. Laura can provide answers to all your questions.

Maria DeZonia- Front/Back Office Administrator

Maria is our Physician-Mentored Front and Back Office Administrator. Maria has worked side by side with Dr. Pilest for over 20 years after switching gears from a pursuit in the Dental field to Dermatology. Her long term experience makes her an invaluable asset and patient advocate. Maria’s fluency in Spanish is a tremendous advantage for Spanish speaking patients.

Maria is in charge of administrative duties relating to patient records, scheduling, prep and assist for Dr. Pilest and patient procedure follow through.  Skilled and very knowledgeable from her long time duties with Dr. Pilest, Maria has special expertise in answering patient questions; prepping for procedures and helping patients understand the post-procedure regimens associated with their treatments..

She is always the one we count on to be the “bright spot” on even the most hectic days, with a kind word and smile at the ready for everyone. As a mom, she has that extra cup of patience that keeps everyone in their best mood.

 In her own words, “I come from a large family of 8 children and my parents instilled an invaluable thought process in each of us - that it is important to be happy everyday as if each were our last.”

Lety Soto - Certified Medical Assistant

Lety has been a medical assistant for more than 10 years, with 6 years experience in Cosmetic Dermatology. She has a wide scope of experience and has worked in other specialties including Acupuncture, Chemical Dependency and Physical Therapy.

 "I've always struggled with acne, so I have a special place in my heart for others who have been plagued by a chronic skin condition. I feel that makes me particularly sensitive to our patients' feelings about their appearance and helps me impress upon them how important consistency is with treatment programs. I absolutely love seeing patients who come back with a big smile telling me ''It works!'

Helping patients feel their best and in my position assisting Dr. Pilest. I feel I can make a real difference in someone's life. It's a great career!"

Lety has a cocker spaniel who is her hiking buddy and enjoys spending time outdoor - with her sunscreen on, of course.

Minoo Mirzaii- Esthetician

Minoo is our licensed Professional Medical Esthetician and has been working with Dr. Pilest since 1995.

Her role in our practice is pivotal since many patients “start” under her skilled hands to establish a programmed and effective skin care program.

Minoo is a certified technician for the ever popular Silk Peel, Velashape and many of our professional chemical peels, including the ViPeel 7 Day Peel, Acne Salicylic Peels and the new Skinceutical Pro Peels for Pigmentation, Hydration and Acne. She has a strong following of patients who depend upon her skills in extractions for acne clearing and control, working closely with Dr. Pilest to secure the most effective results possible.

A mother of two, Minoo enjoys her free time cooking, dancing and gardening. Her opinion of her tenure at Total Dermatology, “I come from a large family of 9 children so I learned early how important a strong supportive network is. Between Dr. Pilest and the warm and caring staff, that is exactly what we share here. I love it!”

Mariah Dannenhold - Business Manager

Mariah joined Total Dermatology in 2009. She has found success in many of her endeavors starting in athletics.

Mariah was honored as the first player to get two consecutive MVP awards in 1996-1997 at Golden West Community College. She was then offered a full-athletic scholarship at the top Volleyball program in the country, Cal State University Long Beach. Her first year, the team had an unprecedented success, being the first team to win the Division 1 Championship undefeated.

She graduated in 2001 and was awarded the prestigious Todd Hart award for exemplifying courage for undergoing 3 major knee surgeries while staying committed to her team and to her scholastic responsibilities.

Mariah took her team building skills into her business management career. She was promoted to the Director of Sylvan Learning Center and after only being there a year, was honored as “The Center of the Year” out of over 1,200 centers in the country.

"In my 25 years experience in a competitive team environment, I have found that success comes from a commitment from all the players to be the best at their role. Our staff is well educated, truly passionate about skin care and committed to being the best at what they do.”

Celena - Back Office / Social Media Manager

Celena is a member of our back office staff, assisting in patient prep and followup. Celena's patient assist is boosted by her background as a licensed Esthetician, so feel free to ask all those skin questions! Doing double duty with what seems to be native skills in Social Media. Celena manages our Facebook and Twitter accounts and the exclusive offers available to our "social circle".

Celena’s family have been long time patients of Dr. Pilest, so it was a “natural” for her to bring her skin care training and skills to someone her family has thought so highly of over the years. 

“I love the staff here and think Dr. Pilest has an incredible practice. I learn something new not only every day, but what seems like every hour! It’s really very exciting.

My formal training as an Esthetician was very comprehensive, but being here is like attending a top level anti-aging university! There can't be a better place to learn about taking care of your skin than right here at Total Dermatology.”

Jayci - Staff Photographer & Media Manager

As the office’s Photo Technician, Jayci is one of the first faces you see during each visit. Jayci takes patients’ photos before and after their procedures, and helps showcase the work of Dr. Pilest and staff  through various forms of media.

Growing up in Hawaii provided an abundance of inspiration for Jayci’s budding interest in Photography. Following high school, she moved to California to attend Cal State Long Beach and recently acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Photography.

"I love working with the patients. And I especially love the reactions as they compare their original baseline photos with the way they look after their procedures. Sometimes the changes are pretty remarkable and seeing them so excited about their new look is exciting to me too.

We're branching into video media now and although it's a challenge, video is a wonderful way to learn about all the various components of skin treatments. I think one of the most unique benefits of my job is learning so much about skin and how it can be treated to look healthier and prettier (or more handsome if you're a man!)"

Michaela - Administrative Assistant

Michaela is one of our very important Administrative assistants. From explaining procedures on the phone to assuring patient records are complete and up to date, she's on the go from the minute she arrives.

Administrative staff keep the practice running smoothly by handling what is an ever-increasing record-keeping process; from consent forms to governmental regulatory forms to HIPAA compliance, our admin staff members are required to stay on top of each and every patient record, treatment notations, scheduling and the continuing changes in technology. It's quite a load of responsibilities.

"I've been working in Dermatology for last 8 years.  I'm happy when I can help patients feel good about themselves and how they look. Dr. Pilest and the Total Dermatology staff have become my second family. We all work really well together. What a great team to be a part of!

I feel lucky in my professional life and my personal life too. I have a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children. We love to travel and we go camping and hiking when we get the chance. In my quiet time I love to read. It's important to me to stay healthy and fit so I make a point of exercising. And good thing, because I love to bake!!"

Ashleigh Dancy- Extern

Ashleigh is our Extern, currently attending Cal State Long Beach majoring in Community Health Education. She will continue her education and will enter the Nursing Program at Long Beach City College in the Fall.

Ashleigh is quickly becoming an important asset in our practice with her up-to-date computer skills and software knowledge. She is our “go to” source for help in every area when it’s needed.

Ashleigh is excited to be part of the Total Dermatology team and says, “I have always been interested in working in dermatology and am honored to work with such a renowned physician as Dr. Pilest.”